I first came across Aaron House near the end of a motorcycle trip from Rosslare to Birr on a very wet October afternoon last year. Cold, wet, tired and hungry, I phoned ahead and was immediately struck by the warm and friendly response I received from Betty Grimes who runs this lovely Guesthouse in Kinnitty, nestling at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Co.Offaly, with her husband, Mike.

When I arrived, I was met by Mike, who couldn't do enough for me. He not only insisted on locking my bike securely in his garage, but offered to dry my soaking outer garments for me, overnight. This is typical of the kind of welcome you will receive during your time at Aaron House and was the reason I drove half Way across Eire to stay there again, a year later.

Betty and Mike have created in Aaron a very special place, which hospitably opens it's doors equally to guests with mobility impairment, motorists, cyclists, hikers (and motorcyclists!) Although modern, Aaron House has great character and it's owners have obviously given careful thought to the needs of their residents. There is a Guest Lounge, which is very homely and offers tea and coffee making facilities. This is a great idea and something that other Guesthouses would do well to copy. Breakfast is served with a smile and, whatever you choose, it will be generous and well presented and is, in fact, the best I have come across in Irel;and.

As for the bedrooms, you will find plenty of space here and you can lose yourself in those king sized double beds and enjoy a reviving power shower.

If, like me, you are a great lover of Ireland's superb coastline, your experience of the Irish Midlands will, nonetheless, not disappoint. This is an area where sky meets water with great charm in the River Shannon's fresh and sea water Loughs. Picturesque Kinnitty has a remote feel to it, yet it is close to Eire's new and efficient motorway system that will rapidly convey you to all parts of the country. There are many unusual and rewarding places to visit within easy reach of the town, from the giant astronomical telsecope and lovely gardens at nearby Birr Castle to the tranquillity of Clonmacnoise Monastery and the Slieve Bloom Mountains with their many walking trails so much loved, the area hosts a yearly Hiking Festival. Nationally famous sites such as the Rock of Cashel, are comfortably within a day's drive.

Whether you are just passing through the region or looking to stay longer, Aaron House offers superb accommodation and great Irish hospitality. This is a Guesthouse which thinks it's a hotel, but with that personal touch that will make you want to return, and not just the once.